The first TV appearance of the 3 men of JYJ was horrible. It was nothing new but an ‘exhumation’ in order to confirm the assault(T/N: originally부관참시, which literally means to dig up [a person’s] corpse and behead it). The entertainment program of Saturday, which has been coveting the ratings of 10% and boasting about the tradition of dozens of years, exposed the existence of ‘saseang fan’ but I wonder if we had to make do with its significance.

On the 10th, <Entertainment Relay> of KBS 2TV covered the JYJ – sasaeng fans controversy that has recently surfaced. On the 6th, a media unveiled the ‘JYJ assaulting fans’ audio file which was recorded in 2009. JYJ got involved in an ‘assault controversy’.

Among K-POP groups, JYJ is the first group ever to hold a South America tour. They have held an official press conference in Chile on the 8th (local time). They officially apologized and expressed their pain, “Because sasaeng fans are also fans, we thought that we should also endure such excessive love. But in such indescribable pain, our daily life collapsed. We just want to ask them to at least let us live a human life.”

However, after informing that the audio file was edited, <Entertainment Relay> let us hear from the position of the sasaeng fan who was on the spot at that time instead of JYJ’s voice, reigniting the assault controversy. In addition, before the broadcast, <Entertainment Relay> was caught under fire for asking for tips about ‘the stars’ secret photos and videos’ through its official website and openly giving notice that tipping fee would be given.

The sasaeng fan that can’t realize the seriousness of the problem, “He only told me to come and I got only one tap.”

“It was recorded by a sister who was with me; I didn’t know that that sister has spread (the audio file). I got only one tap, I let out the ‘ah’ sound and the gasp sound is also mine. I didn’t get hit that much. He only told me to come and I got only one tap.”

In the voice of an anonymous sasaeng fan which <Entertainment Relay> interviewed, we couldn’t find the seriousness of the situation. We can see that the producers didn’t even question the psychology or think about the concrete situation regarding the acts of the ‘sasaengs’ who stalk the stars. They only briefly checked on the time and the situation before airing the program.

Indeed, they explained that ‘the fans who follow the celebrities and dig all their privacy are passionate fans’ and tied it up with an interview of general fans, introduced sasaeng fans as normal fans. On the other hand, the voice of JYJ Kim Jaejoong in the audio file was broadcasted numerous times. Nonetheless, the voices of JYJ’s members who have officially apologized during the press conference in Chile were nowhere to be heard.

However, at the time JYJ left for South America, <Entertainment Relay> was airing the interview with the reporter of related media (T/N: Dispatch). What was worse, through that interview, they added more reliability to the article by emphasizing the violence, “The singers have different ways to deal with it. In some degree, although there were some singers who have verbally abused, I think it was quite actually shocking to do violence.”

In the absence of JYJ? An investigative report that failed to convey a balanced voice.

Through a lawyer, they confirmed that JYJ’s act could be considered as assault but there was no penalty. “Since this assault is ‘no-prosecution-contrary-to-intent’, if the victim doesn’t sue, the artists won’t be punished.”

On the other hand, <Entertainment Relay> also demonstrated a superb beauty of editing. The remarks of a pop music critic were suitably disposed in order to meet the intention of the producers.

“Sasaeng fans are stalkers. Since it has come this far, wouldn’t they be seen as stalkers? Those acts could certainly be prosecuted.” <Entertainment Relay> has arranged this remark of the critic in the first half of the program and “In the perspective of the stars or of those who protect the stars, they shouldn’t be punished for using violent method to protect their given rights,” in the second half, showing that they want to shift all the responsibility of this assault controversy to JYJ.

The reporter’s comment was, “Obviously, there is problem with the fans that violated the stars’ private life. However, the extreme reaction of the stars was not right either. A more mature attitude is needed.” It was no more than a typical ‘both-side’ theory that stands on mechanical neutrality. We couldn’t hear anything from JYJ’s side, how can this report be considered as an in-depth coverage?

We will give you tipping fee, please give us the stars’ secret photos and videos~!

The insufficient and irritating report of <Entertainment Relay> was already predicted. On the 10th, via the viewers’ tipping board on its website, <Entertainment Relay> has given a notice which read, “Please send us tips about the stars’ secret photos and videos that only you know! Tipping fee will be given to those who are chosen.” Instead of stamping out sasaeng’s act, they encouraged it.

Also, they have met a sasaeng fan who have been active from TVXQ days and asked her if the ‘assault incident’ of Kim Jaejoong and Park Yoochun that had been surfaced recently was true and asked her about the actual activities of sasaeng fans.

In addition, <Entertainment Relay> has given a provocative notice that they had in hand an another audio file in which there was Kim Jaejoong who had to suffer from sasaeng fans during his vacation and Kim Junsu who caught sasaeng taxi and tussled, which is said to be able to show the extreme stress and the painful feelings of JYJ due to sasaeng fans.

They have also added, “You will be able to see vividly the true nature and the problems of sasaeng fans, to see if the violent act of the artist toward hardcore fans, to see the status of the so-called ‘sasaeng taxi’ hired to chase after the celebrities, the daily routine and the psychology of sasaeng fans, the reaction of each celebrity to sasaeng fan, ect.” But this much information wasn’t adequately conveyed in 5 minutes of edited screen.

JYJ’s first real debut in KBS’s entertainment program has come to an end like this.

It’s a well-known fact that, due to the uncomfortable relationship with SM, group JYJ that is comprised of former TVXQ’s members has been working as ‘faceless singers’ in TV entertainment programs. In the broadcast on the 10th of <Entertainment Relay>, JYJ has the first real debut in KBS’s entertainment program. However, only the voice of Kim Jaejoong in the audio file, the cut from music video, the cut from the performance in 2010 <KBS Drama Awards> and a short video of the press conference in Chile were aired.

JYJ’s fans are strongly objecting to this report of <Entertainment Relay>. From the airing day till the 11th, there was hundreds of protesting writing in its viewers’ bulletin.

The ID ‘vipchj’ has criticized <Entertainment Relay> as below.

“Firstly, during these 2 years, JYJ have been vigorously active more than any artist. You haven’t reported about it even once but only reported about sasaeng-related issue. Secondly, today the very first South America concert of Korean artist was held in Chile but you didn’t mention about it at all. Thirdly, you didn’t report in detail how long sasaeng fans have been stalking JYJ but only simply reflected them as hardcore fans. Fourthly, all the fans already felt angry toward the report. Nonetheless, after finishing the program, the main MCs even exchanged jokes about sasaeng, which made us feel like we were fools. Fifthly, you compared them, who have been idols and have been suffering the severe harassments of sasaeng for 9 years, who were in very difficult time due to the conflict with former agency, with normal celebrities.”

Via SNS, the followed line was repeatedly retweeted, “I want KBS Entertainment Relay to be abolished. RT! Let’s see how much it will be retweeted!”

Eventually, I doubt whether <Entertainment Relay> shed light on JYJ assault issue from various angles, whether it properly distinguished between right and wrong regarding the assault, whether it dealt in a balanced way with the seriousness of sasaeng fans that have been rebuked by the public after the assault case has surfaced online. JYJ’s first real debut in KBS’s entertainment program has come to an end like this.

Source: Oh My News via NateTranslation by: Hannah for TheJYJfilesPlease do not remove without full credits.

On a survey about the JYJ sasaeng fan violence controversy taken from twitter, 99.56% of people held a negative opinion on sasaeng fans.

On March 7th an SNS analyzing firm took a social consensus on twitter by tweeting and asking people to mention them with who they believed was wrong in the sasaeng fan controversy. They received over 5,375 tweets and the public opinion wasa vast majority with 99.56% saying that sasaengs were wrong and 0.44% saying it was JYJ.

The netizens also sent tweets criticizing sasaengs by saying “JYJ sasaeng fans show us a reality of how Korean celebrities basic human rights are being violated every day” and said that the emerging information [about sasaengs] made JYJ seem like the victims.

The sasaeng fan survey held on March 7th was done by OMS (Opinion Mining System) which is known to use SNS for a hands-on approach to public analyzation.

Source: CBCiTranslation by: Yule for TheJYJfilesPlease do not remove without full credits.

“Shin Hyeon Joon, are you a sasaeng fan?” “Since Tak Jae Hoon is not a sasaeng fan, he must be waiting outside the recording studio” “I think Tak Jae Hoon is giving [Shin Hyeon Joon] too much privacy, he must follow him around more”, “MC Park EunYoung is very pretty, maybe I will become a Park EunYoung sasaeng now”, “How can you call sasaengs as fans?”

Entertainment Relay MCs are dealing with such questions from the fans and public after the report that they did on JYJ’s sasaengs. Because of quotes from the MCs, such as “sasaengs should be considered as fans”, many people have been flooding in comments about the nature of their broadcast, especially how they covered the serious nature of the sasaeng problem with jokes.In this type of situation, which can can cause people to mentally collapse from stress and anxiety, smiling jokes [from the MCs] were looked down upon.

There are many facts and data to be shown about JYJ’s sasaeng, and in the “official story” of JYJ (which Entertainment Relay reported directly on), those facts were overlooked. It had already been announced through many different media sites that the show would be releasing new recordings from the members, however instead there were direct voice recordings from the sasaeng fans, which was very different from what was reported. Maybe if the program has actually followed what the media had reported, reactions to it would be different. However, Entertainment Relay did not do that.

For fans who first brought up the issue of sasaeng fans, they hoped that the program would be a stimulus for change on the subject. But it was far from that. The audio file that the program released of JYJ was no different from what the media already had. Many fans of artists who are facing the issue of sasaeng fans are looking for a change in the system and were offended by the attitudes of the MCs. Because the MCs were making jokes about the situation, it seemed as though they were making light of a serious situation. Also, edited in laughter sounds added an additional insult.

Entertainment Relay has a growing criticism targeted at it already because of faulty reporting that they did with a recent report concerning Big Bang member Daesung. Because of these situations, Entertainment Relay‘s message boards are almost constantly flooded with fan protest and demands for apologies. Though it is understandable that Entertainment Relay is looking for interesting stories, as a news show they still need to report true information. In addition, people have stated that when dealing with serious matters such as these, the MCs should not crack jokes or gossip because it makes them appear uncivilized. Because of these problems, Entertainment Relay is indeed earning a reputation for being a program which reveals information that they collected too hastily and in an incorrect manner.

Now we are living in an era where information can kill a person.Since broadcast stations have the power to spread information, they should be more careful. The MCs and producers also need to act in a more responsible way. Entertainment Relay may laugh and joke about the problems facing JYJ, however offended netizens are far from laughing with them.

Source: EntermediaTranslation by: Yule for TheJYJfilesPlease do not remove without full credits.

]]>https://thejyjfiles.wordpress.com/2012/03/11/news-120311-entertainment-relay-mcs-become-pathetic-jokes/feed/12CeciliaEntertainment Relay[TRANS] 120306 ‘Blue House’s destruction of evidence of an illegal investigation of civilians’ was buried under the report about JYJ assault controversy in yellow press!!https://thejyjfiles.wordpress.com/2012/03/08/trans-120306-blue-houses-destruction-of-evidence-of-an-illegal-investigation-of-civilians-was-buried-under-the-report-about-jyj-assault-controversy-in-yellow-press/
https://thejyjfiles.wordpress.com/2012/03/08/trans-120306-blue-houses-destruction-of-evidence-of-an-illegal-investigation-of-civilians-was-buried-under-the-report-about-jyj-assault-controversy-in-yellow-press/#commentsWed, 07 Mar 2012 23:30:08 +0000http://thejyjfiles.wordpress.com/?p=1220Continue reading →]]>T/N: The Blue House was suspected to be involved in an illegal investigation of civilians and orchestrate the efforts to destroy the evidence. More about this issueHERE

A ‘destruction of evidence of Blue House’s illegal investigation of civilians’* buried under the report about JYJ assault controversy in yellow press!!

Violating celebrities’ privacy and personal life covers an important political and social issue of all time..

On the 6th, at the press conference of the MB Corruption Committee of the Democratic United Party, the Prosecution Office revealed that the Blue House has destroyed the evidence of the illegal investigation of civilians of the Prime Minister’s Office of Public Service Ethics. Jang Jinsu, a senior official of the Prime Minister’s Office of Public Service Ethics claimed, “Actually, the Blue House has requested the destruction of evidence of the illegal investigation of civilians.” The related transcripts were also unveiled.

Especially, Choi Jongseok, who was an administrative official at the Blue House at that time, revealed that Jang Jinsu has been requested to give perjured evidence at the Appellate Court; they have promised to give him a Hyundai and a banking association in return.

However, this shocking news was completely buried. Like yesterday, today is full of articles by the yellow media (t/n: “yellow media” is a term used for tabloids. It has little or no legitimate news, is rarely well researched, and uses attention-grabbing headlines) that covers Celebrity – Entertainment issues. Especially, the audio file of group JYJ assaulting sasaeng fan was revealed, which attracted all public’s attention.

In the mean time, JYJ have been suffering because of sasaeng fans and related assault controversy was dispersed on the Internet. But what the media hasn’t reported all that meantime was unveiled by a yellow media, which make JYJ fans and netizens argue pro and con of it. Above all, it has been saying that, swearing at sasaengs and assaulting, JYJ were reprehensible.

However, without even a cause-and-effect relationship, it seems that no one calls into question the yellow media’s report that has played up JYJ assault controversy. At least, <<Voice of the People>> (aka VOP, a Korean online news) pointed out, “the quality of surrounding media coverage about JYJ assault controversy is somewhat far cry from a partisan coverage. No matter how partisan it is, media coverage must clearly convey a ‘cause-and-effect relationship’. But in the report related to JYJ assault controversy, the issue was unilaterally played up and it didn’t present a causal relationship.”

The problem is that, such controversy keeps being dispersed on the Internet par that hyena-alike yellow media and via portal sites, which is deceiving and manipulating the public.

Recently JYJ has found themselves in the midst of a violence controversy. However, that JYJ has sasaengs that abuse them and seriously infringe on their privacy is a well known fact. Because of this, if one carefully looks at the situation it is easy to figure out that the attacks were a form of defense. However because the original media did not report about the relationship that exists between JYJ and sasaeng fans, JYJ were singled out for specific instances in which they retaliated [against sasaengs]. This face has been a main point of complaint by fans.

The JYJ violence controversy stems from the problem of saesangs, which are a specific group of fans who in order to fill their own needs of seeing and interacting with their idols up close, seriously infringe on the idol’s privacy using extreme actions. Sasaeng fan culture is very different from the general pop fan culture and has been receiving much attention as of late.

For general fan clubs, the purpose of them is to create a relationship between the idol and the public, however sasaeng fans only want to create individual relationships between the idols and themselves and do so by using actions that are usually damaging to the idols.

News of the violence controversy at first were unilateral assault allegations that were made against JYJ’s Kim Jaejoong and Park Yoochun in which edited media were the only source of information that was given as proof. However, after the initial hysteria surrounding the violence controversy ebbed, netizens started to search for the crimes of sasaengs and made judgements of their own [instead of relying on media].

Which of course, leads us to wonder why such “yellow media” was used in the initial reports of this JYJ controversy. While the initial reports about this controversy grabbed attention, by only reporting one side, the media made a large mistake. It seems as though because of outside reasons, certain media outlets were reporting only one-side of the violence issue in hopes of turning public antipathy towards the JYJ members. However by only reporting one side of the issue, it forced netizens to go and discover more about the issue on their own. It also made people wonder why such news was reported in an obviously unilateral fashion and if there were any other motives behind this attack on JYJ.

It is right for media to report on controversy such as this one surrounding JYJ, however the obvious use of “yellow media” caused facts to become distorted and many readers have complained about the media’s coverage of this. Even objective sources are finding the “yellow media” in this case to be suspicious.

Netizens have commented on this JYJ controversy by saying “the media did not present more than one side of this case so it is hard for us to judge”, “reports such as these seem to be revealed with only the purpose of trying to kill JYJ”, and “No proper judgements can be made from reporting like this”

Source: VOPTranslation by: Yule for TheJYJfilesPlease do not remove without full credits.

South Korean pop music known as ‘K-Pop’, is flourishing around the world, finding new fans across Asia, Europe and the US. This film reveals the dark side of the increasingly popular industry.

South Korean ‘K-Pop’ strives for global fame

South Korea’s pop industry is worth more than $3bn a year. It is driven largely by music known as “K-Pop”, which is popular across Asia and is even attracting attention in the US.

But Korean pop stars have been subjected to tough contracts and severe restrictions on their personal lives. A growing number of legal disputes over their agencies’ harsh treament has caused the government to issue standard contracts and establish a support centre for the artists.

I made this to sort things out. It is based on court records and investigation records. I believe there are no errors..

2011.3.14 Cjes and Zak formally conclude/signed a concert contract. Cjes and Zak agree to split the balance 50/50 after expenses are subtracted from the concert proceeds as their profit. [Cjes is to donate their portion of the profits to charity.]

2011.4.5 Attorney for Avex sends Zak content-certified mail concerning the concert to be held in Saitama Arena

2011.4.11 Saitama Arena notifies Zak that they cannot grant permission for the concert

2011.4.14 A notice appears on the Saitama Arena homepage stating “We were initially preparing to give permission for the use of our facilities. However we decided that it was not appropriate to give permission when the artist has contractual problems.”

2011.4.21 Zak submits a request for the use of Ryogoku Kokugikan.

2011.4 Zak mobilizes right-wing organization

2011.5.2.~5.6. Planned sales of additional tickets are postponed due to server problems

2011.5.12 Attorney for Zak sends JSA content-certified mail stating “At this time when Japan is in a dark mood and many foreign artists are avoiding performing in Japan, JYJ has offered to hold a concert in Japan; moreover a charity concert for the victims in earthquake and tsunami. In face of this goodwill from JYJ, we believe that it is the mission of the companies managing concert venues to cooperate in holding JYJ’s concert without giving in to pressure from Avex.”

2011.5.18 Zak signs a pledge to JSA stating “We promise to solve the problem between C-JeS Entertainment Co.,LTD and Avex Group Holdings concerning JYJ’s exclusive contract entirely by Cjes and Zak without involving the Japan Sumo Association in anyway, so please allow us to use Kokugikan on June 7th.”

2011.6.2. Avex sends content-certified mail to the Chairman of the JSA demanding cancellation again

2011.6.3 JSA makes inquires to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Organized Crime 3rd Department as to whether Zak has ties to organized crime and receives the answer that there are no ties. They also make inquiries to the National Center for the Elimination of Boryokudan database and come up with no ties.

2011.9.8 Attorney for Avex sends JTB content certified mail stating “Therefore through this document we (Avex) demand that you (JTB) cancel the event mentioned above and also refrain from being involved in events that JJY participate in without our mediation.”

2011.10.5 Attorney for JTB sends Avex content certified mail “We have received your warning and have decided to resign from the executive committee of the event stated above. Our resignation from the executive committee has been formally accepted in the meeting of the committee on Sept. 30 and we have notified all the parties involved. <omitted> In your notification to us you stated that we were the company in charge of organizing the event mentioned above. However our position in the executive committee was administrative office so we believe that your statement that we were the organizing company is incorrect.”

2011.10.15. 16. JYJ holds concert in Hitachinaka Ibaraki

Looking this over, it’s pretty relentless. If there is anything that needs to be added please contact me. (but I do not need anymore groundless rumors.)

__________________

* In Japan, sending content-certified mail is considered a pretty threatening gesture.
** Northroad Music Inc. is a small concert and event promotion company with offices in northeast Japan (which is the region that was heavily damaged by the earthquake and tsunami).

]]>https://thejyjfiles.wordpress.com/2012/01/10/timeline-2011-avex-repeatedly-obstructing-jyjs-efforts-to-hold-2-charity-concerts-in-japan-for-earthquake-relief/feed/18Cecilia[TRANS] 111101 Toshiro Ono blogs: Signs of Progress in Ongoing Lawsuits between JYJ’s side & Avex/SMhttps://thejyjfiles.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/trans-111101-toshiro-ono-blogs-signs-of-progress-in-ongoing-lawsuits-between-jyjs-side-avexsm/
https://thejyjfiles.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/trans-111101-toshiro-ono-blogs-signs-of-progress-in-ongoing-lawsuits-between-jyjs-side-avexsm/#commentsTue, 01 Nov 2011 18:18:42 +0000http://thejyjfiles.wordpress.com/?p=1192Continue reading →]]>Note: Toshiro Ono is a freelance nonfiction writer who writes mostly about the mafia and crime. Below is a translation of his blog entry that details actions taken by both sides of the CJeS and Avex lawsuit, as well as his thoughts on the reasoning behind those actions.

The “attorney for the plaintiff” mentioned here means the attorney representing C-JeS in the trial at the Tokyo District Court.

“On Sept. 22, 2011 the attorney for the plaintiff [T/N: attorney for C-JeS in Japan] received a call from Attorney Jihye Shin who is representing JYJ in Korea saying “We received a request from SM for reconciliation for both the trial in Korea and Japan. However we find it difficult to understand their true motive in making this request.” Recently in the lawsuit in Korea concerning the validity of the exclusive long term contract between management companies and artists, the Supreme Court ruled that long term contracts between management companies and artists are invalid, signifying there is a high chance that the Korean court will rule in JYJ’s favor in the lawsuit between SM and JYJ. It can be presumed that SM, because of this turn of events, decided that it would be better to resolve the lawsuits in both Korea and Japan at once by reconciliation. Also, the request made by SM to Attorney Shin assumes that the defendant [T/N: Avex Management] will follow SM’s instructions. Therefore it is easy to presume that the defendant is obstructing the management of JYJ in Japan out of concern for the wishes of SM.”

[TRANS] The taxi driver asked me “Why did the three leave?” so I explained the details and the current circumstances. He said “That’s so maddening… That must be why people want to root for them even more. They must be really good because even though they don’t appear on TV in Japan so many people from distant places came” Thank you Mr Driver… (T_T)

[TRANS] When I was eating at a ramen stand at the Ibaraki venue the guy at the yakisoba (Japanese stir-fried noodles) stand next door was working busily with a big smile saying “I’m so thankful to JYJ”! So glad

[TRANS] A taxi driver told me that the Hitachinaka Park was heavily damaged by the earthquake and tsunami and because of liquefaction the road in some places is still twisted. So he said that the Rock festival in the summer and yesterday’s JYJ concert was really appreciated.

[TRANS] Another story from a taxi driver. Some staff (probably ZAK) went to Korea 3, 4 days before the concert and rode his taxi. At that time they were still not sure if the concert was possible. But local businesses, at the risk of going out of business, cooperated. So I am thankful to the people of Ibaraki too.

[TRANS] A taxi driver said “More people come to the Rock Festival but there are more artists. They must be really popular for so many people to come for just 3 people. Incredible.”

[TRANS] On the way home from Ibaraki airport I happened to talk to a staff member of the concert executive committee. I got tears in my eyes hearing how much difficulty they went through for the JYJ concert to happen and how much effort they put forth. People from company “A” came in person to the prefectural office and the venue to protest. But through the various efforts of people surrounding them they were able to hold the concert. Thank you so much!

[TRANS] I received a call from staff at the hotel I stayed at and talked about JYJ’s concert. He wanted to take a look and got in the concert area. (People in local tourism businesses were allowed to enter) “I was amazed at how good their singing was” “And amazed again that they weren’t lip syncing”. He said “please come every year!”

[TRANS] I heard that the area where the JYJ concert was held was particularly damaged by the earthquake. The driver of the taxi I got on told me that this was the first time he had seen Ibaraki so full of life. He sounded very happy. This is truly the best recovery aid! I am full of distrust for the Japanese media.

[TRANS] The guide at the venue said to us in the Ibaraki dialect when we were leaving “Don’t cry so hard. They’ll come again”. Those words felt so warm.

[TRANS] It was so bad that the staff were really worried. The obstruction was so bad that they were barely able to finish the preparations on time. With such a large scale event there are so many things, effects, products, so many businesses involved, so there was a possibility of some unexpected trouble happening at some unexpected place. It’s practically a miracle that the concert was able to be held. I’m so grateful.

[TRANS] Funny thing that happened at Hitachinaka → A couple came together. At first the guy looked like he had been dragged there by his girlfriend but after a while he was watching with his hands clasped in front of his chest like a girl. He finally ended up gazing intently using his girlfriend’s opera glasses that he had taken from her neck.

____________

Additional notes from a Japanese fan: Apparently so many people were tweeting and replying about Avex’s obstruction of JYJ’s concert that “JYJ”, “Avex”, and “obstructing concert” were trending on Twipple at the same time. There was no official homepage about the concert with JYJ’s name (just ZAK’s ticket site) no signs with JYJ at the park, no media coverage except for that small article on Ibaraki newspaper because of Avex.

Sources: The respective twitter accountsTranslated and shared by: TheJYJFilesPlease do not add, alter, or remove the credits.

The JYJ concert “2011 JYJ UNFORGETTABLE LIVE CONCERT IN JAPAN” will be held this weekend at the National Hitachi-kaihin Park in Hitashinaka, Ibaraki. But behind the scenes the activities of Junsu, Jaejoong, and Yoochun, the three who left Tohoshinki, were met with more trouble.

As a result of the break up and contract troubles, Changmin and Yunho have activities. Their management company Avex formerly managed the three members of JYJ and the three had concerts. However Avex unilaterally announced the suspension of the activities of JYJ in Japan citing JYJ’s Korean management company’s ties to the mafia. JYJ protested this decision claiming that Avex knew about this when signing the contract. (T/N: This article misreports in that C-JeS never had mafia ties but its CEO, Mr. Baek, did have a prison record of which Avex was well aware from the very beginning.) The three resumed activities with the support of another company. However the two companies are still in dispute over the contract.

“A fan pleaded to the CEO of Avex, Masato Matsuura on twitter to stop obstructing JYJ’s activities. He replied ‘This is not obstruction. It’s a contractual problem. In other words a promise,’ revealing his intent to keep fighting. Avex requested sports newspapers and other media outlets to stop reporting on JYJ and as a result the name JYJ has practically disappeared from most media.” (Reporter for a sports newspaper)

Although it has been ignored for the most part by the media, both sides have been battling fiercely. There was a case when JYJ tried to hold a charity concert sponsored by the new company, but the arena canceled under pressure from Avex.

This time another incident has caused shock waves among fans.

“JYJ fans, worried that the media was ignoring JYJ, gathered donations to place an advertisement for JYJ’s concert in the Ibaraki Newspaper. The Ibaraki Newspaper was also positively considering publishing the advertisement. However, suddenly, just before submitting the manuscript, the fans received a call from the newspaper informing them that the advertisement had been canceled.” (Reporter for a weekly magazine)

The cancellation happened after the advertisement’s size, price, and wording had all been confirmed. The reason given was “JYJ is in the midst of a lawsuit” “Their concert has been canceled before”, and “The venue has received a call protesting against the concert” and as a result it was decided that the JYJ advertisement did not meet the newspaper’s requirements.

Enraged fans responded angrily “They knew about the lawsuit from the beginning” “Is this harassment from Avex?”

We asked people at the Ibaraki Newspaper about details of the cancellation of the advertisement.

“We have been sued in the past because of what we published, so the fact that they were in the midst of a lawsuit was the biggest problem for us. But although this decision was made after much discussion, personally I feel troubled by this cancellation. This was a very unique and good opportunity where ordinary people were supporting the artist but …”

The newspaper has denied that they were pressured by Avex. However the weekly magazine reporter points out that the result is that Avex wins.

“If the reason that the advertisement was cancelled was because of the lawsuit, that means that Avex’s negative campaign worked. The credibility of the artist is notably damaged and they are very limited in their activities just because they are in the midst of a legal dispute.”

How long will this situation of not being able to support JYJ even from the shadows continue? The fans who initiated the advertisement say that the money gathered for the advertisement will be pooled and used for another JYJ support project in the future. How will this fight end?